ClassNK participates in a working group for zero emission alternative fuels

Classification society ClassNK is participating in the ‘Cross-industrial Working Group Related to Zero Emission Alternative Ship Fuels’ established by the Carbon Capture & Reuse Study Group. This working group, for which ClassNK acts as secretariat, aims to reduce CO2 emissions in the international value chain by use of methane synthesised through methanation technology, which combines CO2 and hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources.

In the international shipping sector, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is carrying out initiatives to counter the global emission of greenhouse gas (GHG). In 2018, the initial IMO strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships was adopted. This strategy aims to improve carbon intensity of the sector by at least 40% in 2030 and reduce annual GHG emissions by at least 50% in 2050, both compared to 2008 levels, and eventually phase out GHG emissions as early as possible within the century. In order to reach these goals, it is essential to make the transition over to alternative fuels which can be used with the existing power plants on ships.

Fuel methanation has gathered global attention as a highly expected technology for the realisation of GHG zero emission. The working group aims to implement fuel methanation for ships and construct its supply chain by collaborating with other industries, companies, and administrations, and will hold discussions/deploy initiatives for the widespread use of methanation.